It will soon be time for the Little Dribblers to take the court for another season of entertaining the crowd with their solid basketball fun and fundamentals. The first sign ups will be held this Saturday, September 3, at SEES from 9-11am.

Program Coordinator Jason Decker says the main goal of the Little Dribblers is to teach kids the fundamentals of the game of basketball by incorporating exciting and fun drills. He said the approach is if you keep it simple and fun they will learn while having a good time.

Decker said the program instructs on the importance of the dribble, pass, pivot, rebound, defense and eventually the shot, as well as knowing what the lines on the floor are for. "You wouldn't believe how many kids don't know what the free throw line, base line, corner, or even out of bounds lines are."

He said he wants to create an atmosphere where kids love all aspects of the game. "We want to get them to love the game so much that practice isn't a negative experience. That will keep the kids more involved in the sport. "

Decker added that staying positive is also a major key in the Little Dribblers. "I ensure positive coaching with absolutely no negativity at all," he said. "This is not practice, it's a camp for our kids to learn. All of my coaches know we teach with an encouraging atmosphere. Positive coaching will return positive results."

He said the program will give middle and high school programs a head start by providing the basic foundation need for kids that intend to play at a higher level. 

"Ultimately, this game requires discipline to achieve team goals. We simply break down every skill needed to score a basket so that even kids at the age of three can understand the principles of dribbling, passing, defense, rebounding, and of course shooting," Decker said.

Decker also said he wants people to know that the Little Dribblers is a dedicated basketball camp for kids ages preschool to 6th grade that teaches the importance of positive attitude, overachieving academics, excellence in the fundamentals of basketball, great sportsmanship, and the overall goal of instilling an "I can do it" approach to life.

For questions or more info you can call (615) 305-8594.

​The 4H Outdoors Club would like to thank everyone for their support and donations for us to attend Cloverville at the Kentucky State Fair.

All in all, we brought home 6 blue ribbons, 14 red ribbons and 3 white ribbons. The following businesses made this possible and we thank you, The Edmonson Voice, Edmonson Drugs, Alford's Pharmacy, Sun Valley Feed Mill, Ken Byrd Reality, Mis Amigos, Patton’s Funeral Home, Madison’s Flowers, Laura’s Hilltop, Tabitha’s Salon and Spa, Eagle Express Chalybeate Food Mart, Chris Sanders, C&C firearms, Bowling Green Truss and Supply, Wilkes Clinic, Elite Construction, and everyone that donated money to the 50/50 pot.

We could not have accomplished this trip without everyone. We would also like to thank Creekside Nursery for donating plants to our community service project that we did earlier in the year at Genesis Healthcare.

The 4H Outdoors Club was started in September of last year. We are a nonprofit club and we do not charge any families for joining or membership fees. We solely run off funds that we raise and donations from people and businesses.  We offer outdoor activities, stem projects, cooking, art, crafting, and other various activities and classes. The Edmonson County 4H offers different clubs for children age 9-17 such as Cooking Club, Pony Club, Outdoor Club and we also have The Lucky Leaves for children 5-8.  

We are currently in the process of establishing new clubs for next year such as a Rocketry, Livestock, and Rabbit Club.

If you would like more information or sign your child up for programs and clubs, please call the Edmonson County Extension Office 270-597-3628.

Thank you all so much, 
The Edmonson County 4H Outdoors Club

The start of youth basketball in Edmonson County will be here before you know it. Take advantage of this convenient way to print or download your forms here. Please check out all the info below.

State Fair goers stop by the Edmonson County booth, sponsored by the Edmonson County Tourism Commission on Friday, August 19. 

Tourism Director Rhonda Clemmons said that folks were consistently stopping by to check out what the county has to offer.  Local businesses and organizations are taking turns overseeing the booth during the fair this week. The booth was represented by the Great Onyx Job Corps (above) on Friday.  

A group of Edmonson County kids from the local 4-H Club paused to take a group photo at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville. Great job, guys! Edmonson County is proud of you. Thanks for representing us!

​On August 27-28, Mammoth Cave National Park will offer multiple, free events open to the public in celebration of the National Park Service Founders Day in its centennial year.
  
“At Mammoth Cave, we have recognized the centennial year of the National Park Service through artwork, a research symposium, concerts, a PBS documentary, day camps, and costumed rangers,” said Tracy Stakely, acting superintendent.  “There have been thoughtful moments and times of celebration.” 
 
In a recent speech, National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis stated:   “We cannot take the future of conservation for granted.  We must use the magic of our parks and public lands to inspire and empower a new generation of conservation and historic preservation… inviting every American to find their park, that place that personally inspires them, rejuvenates them and builds some patriotic pride.”
 
“As we mark Founders Day, we invite everyone to join the scheduled activities on August 27-28 or enjoy the park in your own way, on the trails, the rivers, camping or on a picnic,” added Stakely. “Find your park and find what inspires you at Mammoth Cave National Park!
 
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Bat Day / Night Celebration
Interactive display tables highlighting bat research will be set up behind the visitor center from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  In the evening, the celebration begins at Shelter A and progresses downhill to the Historic Entrance where bat-related research techniques and equipment will be showcased. From 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., visitors will be able to visit each station, see the equipment in action, and talk to scientists.
 
Stations will feature night vision goggles, night vision cameras, thermal infrared cameras, bat detectors allowing people to hear bats flying overhead, black lights to illuminate insects that the bats might be eating, mist nets for capturing bats, and a “bat checkup and haircut” table. The night vision goggles will be located at the gate of the Historic Entrance. Visitors wishing to use the night vision goggles are encouraged to bring a jacket because cold cave air will be flowing out of the cave while they are waiting in line and to use the goggles.  Activities will also take place behind the visitor center for those who may not want to walk down to the Historic Entrance.
 
Mammoth Cave NP appreciates the support of the following partners involved in this year’s Bat Night celebration: Mammoth Cave International Center for Science and Learning; Western Kentucky University; National Park Service; Eastern Kentucky University; Murray State University's Wildlife and Fisheries Society; Bat Conservation and Management, Inc.; and many individual volunteers.
 
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Free Mammoth Cave Discovery Tour
Time:  10:00 - 2:00
There is no tour limit associated with this self-guided tour.  However, tickets will be required for cave entry and may be picked up at the visitor center.  Once tickets have been picked up, visitors may enter the cave anytime between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  The tour requires a walk down and up the steep hill below the visitor center, as well as 160 steps.  Visit the Rotunda, one of the largest rooms, explore a vast canyon passageway, and learn about 19th-century saltpeter mining operations and the geologic origins of Mammoth Cave on each of these tours.  Walk at your own pace, allowing at least 30 minutes; about 3/4 mile round trip.  
 
Sunday August 28, 2016
Free Mammoth Passage Tours
Times:  9:30, 10:15, 11:15, 12:15, 2:00 & 4:30
The ¾-mile, 1¼-hour Mammoth Passage Tour is limited to 40 people and tickets are distributed on a first come, first served basis at the visitor center.  Once ticket supplies have been exhausted no further tickets will be issued, so plan to arrive early.  Mammoth Passage is a guided tour that covers the same route as the Discovery Tour.
 
Note cave tour requirements regarding white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats:  While there are no known harmful effects to humans, WNS is responsible for the death of millions of hibernating bats across the United States since its discovery in 2006.  WNS was found in Mammoth Cave in winter 2012-13.  To minimize the spread of WNS fungus, all participants on cave tours and who walk down to the Historic Entrance gate during Bat Night must walk across bio-security mats to clean footwear immediately following the conclusion of their tour.  

by Greg Hudson
​The Parks and Recreation concert series continues on August 27th with Country and Southern Rock music. Come join us for a great night of music and good food at our concession stand. Concert starts at 6:00pm.
​
Date                Start Time       Location                      Group                                     Music
27 Aug 2016    6:00pm                        Chalybeate Park           Roosterfish                              Country          
24 Sep 2016    6:00pm                        Chalybeate Park           Scott Lindsey Entertainment    50’s/60’s
 
Soccer Registration
 Fall Soccer registration will be held during the month of August. The program is for children 6-8 years old and 9-12 years old. Registration forms have been sent home in each child’s backpack form school or you may download and print a form from the Edmonson County Parks and Rec face book page or on the Edmonson Voice. For more information call 270-597-9103. We are in need of individuals to coach and referee. Please call to get information about these important positions and help us make this a great league for our children.
 
Special Olympics
Edmonson County is starting a Special Olympics program. We will start with Track and Field Events and as our program grows we may add new sports to our program. If you are interested in volunteering our becoming an athlete in our program please call 270-597-9103 for more information.
 
Facility Rentals
Please do not forget that the Parks and Recreation has the following facilities available for rent. For more information call us at 270-597-9103.
 
Location                      Facility                                    Rental Fee                   Deposit
Chalybeate Park           Meeting Room             $50 All Day                 $50
Chalybeate Park           Picnic Shelter               $25 All Day                 No Deposit
Bee Springs Park          Meeting Room             $50 All Day                 $50
Bee Springs Park          Picnic Shelter               $25 All Day                 No Deposit
Highway 70 Park         Picnic Shelters             $25 All Day                 No Deposit

The Edmonson County Volleyball Booster Club is selling a new line of Edmonson County Lady Cat and Wildcat apparel for this coming season. 

Show everyone that you're proud of your hometown team by wearing some of this awesome gear. Proceeds will benefit the Edmonson County Volleyball team. Not a big volleyball fan? No worries. General "EC" and Wildcat gear is also available! Check out the order form below or call or text 270-791-0215.

​Edmonson County 4H Outdoors Club will be having a Club night on August 11th from 5pm to close at Mis Amigos. 10% of all sales will go to the club for the children’s trip to State Fair.

The children are representing Edmonson County at Cloverville with projects they have been working on all summer. Cloverville shows artwork, sewing, woodworking, cooking, preserving food, and other projects that children from all over Kentucky participate in.

This year Edmonson County children have 28 blue ribbon items that will compete against other state wide children at the Fair. All money raised will go for tickets, parking, rooms, and food. Please come out and show them your support on August 11th.

​Also if you would like to give a monetary donation contact Windy Sanders Coogle 270-590-1025, Bonnie Goad 270-779-4419 or make a donation at the extension office in c/o of the outdoor club. We are a nonprofit club. And please remember WE ARE REPRESENTING EDMONSON COUNTY!! 

Local students recently competed in the 2016 Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association creative contest. It was a national competition. Local 4-H Club Horse Association member Wendy Majors said "We're so proud of our kids, especially in a national competition."

​Below are names and categories of the local members and their places in the respective categories.

Edmonson County natives Granville and Kathy Meredith are celebrating their 24th wedding anniversary today, August 8, 2016. 

Granville and the former Kathy James was married at Beaver Dam United Baptist Church by Bro. Ronald Renfro in 1992.

They now reside in Morgantown and have two daughters, Laney Meredith who attends Western Kentucky University, and Kayla Meredith who attends Midway University and is a member of their golf team.

Granville was quoted as saying, "If Kathy likes the idea of posting this picture, make sure you tell her I did it, but if it makes her mad, can you say you guys stole it from somewhere?"

by Barbara Johnson, Edmonson County Conservation Office
Mark Meeks was chosen as Master Conservationists for 2015 by the Edmonson County Conservation District Board of Supervisors for his outstanding achievements in soil and water conservation.

The Master Conservationist program, sponsored by the Kentucky Soil and Water Commission, was established in 1983 to recognize those who have excelled in soil and water conservation and protection, and have completed more than 90 percent of their conservation plan.

Awards were presented by Chairman Wayne Thompson at the July 19th Supervisors meeting. The supervisors and staff would like to congratulate Mr. Meeks on his achievements.

Ms. Betty Houchins was chosen as the 2015 Outstanding Cooperator, as she has integrated sound, cost-effective and innovative conservation practices into her total farming operation. 

Ms. Houchins has demonstrated to others how to better use and protect our soil and water resources.

Ms. Houchin was unable to attend the meeting to accept her award, but many heart felt congratulations were sent her way.

Fall Soccer registration will be held during the month of August. The program is for children 6-8 years old and 9-12 years old. Registration forms will be sent home in each child’s backpack form school between the 4th and 10th of August or you may download and print BOTH the registration AND ethics forms below. For more information call 270-597-9103. We are in need of individuals to coach and referee. Please call to get information about these important positions and help us make this a great league for our children.
Thank you for supporting Parks and Rec! --Greg Hudson, EC Parks and Rec Program Administrator